Jackson: Grand Teton National Park Guided Wildlife Tour

This review covers what you can expect from the Grand Teton Wildlife Tour offered by BrushBuck Wildlife Tours, a popular choice for those eager to see Wyoming’s iconic animals in their natural environment. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the rave reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of a memorable outdoor experience.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the expert naturalist guides, who seem to have a knack for spotting elusive wildlife, and the flexibility of the vehicle options—open-air safari vehicles in summer and enclosed, heated ones during colder months. However, a potential consideration is the timing—since the tour begins at dawn or dusk, you need to be prepared for early mornings or late evenings, which aren’t for everyone.

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and wildlife lovers who enjoy a guided, educational adventure with the chance to see animals like moose, bears, wolves, and eagles up close. It’s particularly valuable if you want a guided experience that combines scenery, wildlife, and expert insights into the park’s ecology.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable naturalists enhance the experience with insightful commentary and spotting skills.
• Prime Wildlife Viewing: Early morning or evening tours increase chances of sightings of active animals.
• Comfort Options: Summer vehicles are open-air, while winter months feature fully enclosed, heated vehicles.
• Close Encounters: Frequent stops and scopes allow for near and far-off animal viewing.
• Value for Money: Priced at $159, the tour provides a well-rounded, educational wildlife experience.
• Authentic Experience: Small groups ensure a personal, unhurried environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Grand Teton Wildlife Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Home Ranch Parking Lot, with most tours including winter hotel transfers from Jackson Hole. Early arrival is recommended due to limited parking—this is a small but important detail to avoid missing the start. Pickup options are available in Jackson, Teton Village, or Wilson, and the exact pickup time is communicated after booking, as they depend on sunrise and sunset times.

The tour lasts about 4 hours, striking a balance between a substantial sightseeing experience and not overly taxing. The price of $159 per person might seem steep, but considering the inclusion of binoculars, spotting scope, snacks, drinks, and the expertise of the guides, many find it offers good value for the money.

The Vehicle and Comfort

During warmer months (June to early September), you’ll ride in an open-style safari vehicle, which maximizes your view but can be cool or windy, so blankets are provided. During colder months, the vehicle is enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned, making winter wildlife viewing more comfortable. This thoughtful planning ensures you’re not just sightseeing but doing so in comfort regardless of weather.

The Itinerary and Experience

The core of the tour is wildlife spotting—and your guide’s role is vital here. They are often lauded for their ability to spot animals quickly and accurately, sometimes even using scopes or high-powered binoculars to bring distant creatures into clear view. With the vastness of over 310,000 acres in Grand Teton, these guides serve as your best chance to see elusive wildlife without endless wandering.

Stops are frequent; you’ll get out of the vehicle for close-up views or to observe wildlife safely. Reviewers frequently mention seeing moose, elk, bison, bears, wolves, eagles, and hawks. One reviewer delightfully described ending with river otters, illustrating how varied the sightings can be.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife and Birdlife

The park’s diversity is one of its strengths. Expect to see large mammals like grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, bison, and wolves, especially during dawn or dusk when these animals are most active. The presence of birds such as eagles, pelicans, hawks, and owls adds to the richness of the experience.

Many reviews praise the guides’ ability to point out hidden animals and explain their behavior and ecology. One reviewer noted that even on a rainy, cloudy day, the guide’s skill made the most of the conditions, resulting in sightings of bears, eagles, and cranes.

Short Hikes and Additional Opportunities

While the main focus is on wildlife viewing from the vehicle, there’s often an option to take a short hike. This can be a nice change of pace and provides further opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoying the landscape up close.

Reviews Highlighting the Experience

Multiple reviewers have called this tour “fantastic,” “informative,” and “well worth the cost.” A guest from the Netherlands praised their guide, Anthony, for his knowledge and ability to get them close to wildlife, while another from the U.S. appreciated Diego’s expertise and spotting skills. Several mentioned how they appreciated the personalized attention in small groups, making the experience more intimate and less rushed.

One reviewer, describing a rainy day, remarked that despite the weather, their guide made the tour engaging and productive, showcasing the importance of a knowledgeable guide for wildlife tours. The use of scopes and binoculars was consistently highlighted, making the viewing experience much more engaging.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate birdwatching, photography, and wildlife. It’s also suitable for those interested in learning about the park’s geology and ecology through a naturalist guide. Because of the early start or evening timing, it’s best for adventurous early risers or those comfortable with being out later in the day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring layered clothing: Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Jackets, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
• Carry binoculars: Although the tour provides a good pair, bringing your own can enhance the experience.
• Be patient: Wildlife spotting involves a fair bit of waiting and quiet observation, but the results are often rewarding.
• Prepare for early or late hours: The best wildlife activity occurs at dawn or dusk, so plan accordingly.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This wildlife safari offers a chance to see Grand Teton’s iconic animals with the help of expert guides in a comfortable setting. It delivers excellent value considering the inclusion of scopes, binoculars, and snacks—plus the personal touch of small-group sizes. If you’re a nature lover, photographer, or curious about the local ecology, this tour is a real winner. It’s also suitable for travelers wanting an educational, yet relaxed, outdoor experience that maximizes wildlife sightings without the hassle of self-guided searching.

However, if you’re not an early riser or prefer a more leisurely pace, the timing of this tour might be a challenge. Also, those with mobility issues or young children under six should look for alternative options, as the tour involves multiple stops and some walking.

This tour is a fantastic way to connect with the wild side of Grand Teton—a memorable, educational experience that’s well-reviewed and highly recommended by past travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $159 per person fee covers transportation (including winter transfers), snacks, drinks (water and soda), binoculars, a spotting scope, and a naturalist guide. Park entrance fees are not included but can be purchased at the park.

What should I bring?
You should bring a jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Since wildlife sightings can happen quickly, keep your camera close at hand.

Is the vehicle open-air or enclosed?
In summer (June 1 to September 10), the tour uses an open-style safari vehicle, perfect for unobstructed views. During colder months, the vehicle is fully enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned for comfort.

When does the tour run?
The tour begins at dawn or dusk, depending on the season, with exact times communicated after booking. This timing maximizes wildlife activity.

Can children under 6 participate?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Are there options for larger groups or private tours?
Small groups are available, and private tours can be arranged, offering a more personalized experience.

What if I want to see specific animals?
While sightings are not guaranteed, the guides are skilled at maximizing your chances, especially with early or late tours when animals are most active.

What is the weather like during the tour?
Weather varies with the season; layers are recommended. Blankets are provided for warmth during open-air tours.

Can I extend the tour or add more activities?
The standard tour lasts about 4 hours. Additional activities or longer tours would require separate arrangements.

Will I get to hike?
There is an option to take a short hike during the tour, which can be a great way to see more of the park’s landscape and wildlife.

This wildlife tour stands out as a well-organized, engaging way to explore Grand Teton’s natural inhabitants. With knowledgeable guides, good value, and a flexible vehicle setup, it’s a compelling choice for those wanting to experience Wyoming’s wildlife firsthand. Pack your binoculars, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: